The islands just off Búzios are -- along with Angra dos Reis and Arraial do Cabo -- some of the best diving spots within a 1-day drive of Rio. Diving takes place at a number of islands about 45 minutes off the coast. Water temperature is normally around 72°F (22°C). Visibility ranges from 10 to 15m (30-50 ft.). Coral formations are fairly basic -- mostly soft coral -- but there are always lots of parrotfish, and there are often sea turtles (green and hawksbill) and stingrays of considerable size.
Casa Mar, Rua das Pedras 242 (tel. 022/2623-2441; www.casamar.com.br), offers a full range of services including cylinder refill and courses all the way from basic to nitrox. For a certified diver, a two-dive excursion costs R$110 (US$46) or R$150 (US$63) if you need to rent all the equipment such as a regulator, BCD (buoyancy control device), wet suit, and mask/fins/snorkel. For those wanting to get their diving license, a 4-day PADI open-water course costs R$850 (US$354). If you just want to try diving, there are also introduction dives -- you practice in the pool first and then the dive instructor takes you out for a controlled one-on-one dive in the open ocean -- for R$180 (US$75). Non-divers who want to come along on the boat pay R$80 (US$33).
